Islamabad extends closing time for grocery stores by one hour

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A shopkeeper works under an energy saver light, powered by a battery, during a power outage at a herbal shop, along a market in Islamabad on April 16, 2026. — Reuters
A shopkeeper works under an energy saver light, powered by a battery, during a power outage at a herbal shop, along a market in Islamabad on April 16, 2026. — Reuters

ISLAMABAD: The capital administration on Wednesday issued another notification with a slight change in the closing time for grocery shops in Islamabad.

The order partially amends a notification issued on June 3.

Under the notification issued on June 3, all grocery stores were required to close at 9pm. In the fresh notification, their closing time has been extended by one hour, from 9pm to 10pm.

The notification, issued by the office of the district magistrate, stated that, in continuation of its June 3, 2026 notification and in light of the ongoing austerity measures, revised closing times had been notified for specified business and commercial establishments.

According to the notification, shops, markets, shopping malls, bazaars and departmental stores shall close at 9pm throughout the week, including Saturdays and Sundays. Grocery stores, marriage halls, marquees and all other commercial venues where festive events are held will be closed by 10pm.

Restaurants, cafes and fruit and vegetable shops shall close at 11pm. However, takeaway and home delivery services are exempt from the restriction.

Hospitals, clinics, medical laboratories, pharmacies, bakeries, tandoors and dairy shops are exempt from the restrictions.

In addition, fuel and CNG stations, electric vehicle charging stations, gyms, sports facilities, padel courts, IT companies and call centres are also exempt from the restrictions.

The order came into effect on Wednesday and will remain in force until further orders.

Published in Dawn, June 11th, 2026

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